The Stars have marked their 10th year as a franchise by acknowledging some key contributors with the creation of the Stars Legacy Club.
The purpose of the Stars Legacy Club is to recognise and honour those individuals who have made a lasting contribution to the Stars. These can be athletes, management, volunteers or those in administration, with potential members nominated by past players, management or administrators.
Nominees are required to have a minimum of five years involvement with the Stars and must have demonstrated an above-and-beyond contribution in areas such as team culture and/or performance, leadership, business success, or community impact.
In 2026 we will welcome seven worthy individuals into the Stars Legacy Club.
Seven is a fitting number as it reflects the seven stars in the team logo and connects to Matariki, a cornerstone of our values.
Each recipient will receive a special taonga created by long-time sponsor Stonz Jewellers, a sterling silver pendant featuring the Stars logo and a lab-grown diamond at its heart.
This honours the dedication, passion, and lasting impact of the club’s most valued players and members.
The first four members of the Legacy Club were inducted in front of Stars members and sponsors ahead of the round seven fixture against the Tactix at Pulman Arena. The pendants were presented by Bruce Pulman, with Stonz Jewellers’ Kurt Jordan also in attendance alongside Stars General Manager Jane Bennett.
The first four members have been acknowledged, with the final three to be announced at a later date.
The inaugural four are Mila Reuelu-Buchanan, Temepara Bailey, Dianne Lasenby, and Michelle Parsons.
Mila Reuelu-Buchanan
Mila Reuelu-Buchanan is a Stars girl through and through. She has been loyal and dedicated since she signed with the Stars in 2019. Mila has always shown 100% commitment to the franchise on and off the court and was named captain in 2026.
Mila is loved by the fan base and is always generous with her time, deeply caring about the people and community she represents.
She is a true leader on court, making those around her better. She plays with pace and precision, is a fierce competitor, and is highly respected by teammates and opponents alike.
Temepara Bailey
Temepara Bailey continues to define longevity, leadership, and legacy in the game. As a Stars player, she helped drive the team to a Grand Final, demonstrating class, vision, and competitive fire.
Her impact extends far beyond the court. As Head Coach of the Comets NNL team, Assistant Coach of the Stars, and now Head Coach of the Stars, she develops athletes, strengthens systems, and builds belief.
Temepara inspires through presence, integrity, standards, and unwavering commitment to her people. She builds culture and continues to shape the future of netball in Aotearoa with heart and leadership.
Dianne Lasenby
Dianne Lasenby was Stars General Manager from 2018 to 2022 and is the current Chair of the Team Management Committee. She provided a strong foundation through sponsorship, membership, and community connection.
She guided the franchise through challenging periods, including the COVID-19 pandemic, and remains a strong advocate for the Stars and its athletes.
Michelle Parsons
Michelle Parsons has held various coaching roles across the Stars and Comets since the franchise’s inception in 2017. She played a key role in establishing team values and performance culture.
She led the Comets to their first franchise championship and has contributed to the development of numerous players who progressed to ANZ Premiership and international level.
Her commitment to the team and community has been unwavering and her legacy is deeply embedded in the Comets programme.
